The Whipple Procedure, A Guide for Pathologists

Description

In some cases of pancreatic cancer, an operation called the Whipple Procedure may be performed. In these cases, the surgeon removes the duodenum, gall bladder, head of the the pancreas, and sometimes, a part of the stomach in order to eradicate the cancer. To insure that there are clear margins (that all the cancer has been removed), the specimen is sent to Pathology. Pathologists examine the specimen and tell the surgeon whether or not to resect more tissue. This animation teaches Pathology residents how to examine the specimen, take margins, and make a diagnosis.